I’m Rachel Maytum, a UK-based artist specialising in Abstract Realism acrylic painting. My work explores the balance between detail and freedom where people, animals, and elements of nature are painted with lifelike precision, set against expressive, flowing surroundings that invite emotion and expression

Art has always been a part of who I am. As a teenager, I faced a choice between working with animals or becoming an artist. I chose to work with animals, a decision I later came to regret. Life took me through many twists and challenges, including a decade-long battle with Endometriosis that led to three operations and forced me to stop working for ten years.

I spent 20 years living in Northern Ireland, where I gradually lost confidence in myself through a difficult marriage and many years of illness. After my divorce in 2016, I knew I needed a new start and the chance to rebuild my life. In February 2019, I moved back to England to be closer to my daughter, parents, and siblings - a decision that became the beginning of both healing and rediscovery.

Just weeks after moving, I bought a set of pastel pencils, followed a few of Jason Morgan’s wildlife tutorials, and on 24th February 2019, drew my first pastel piece, Leopard Eyes. That single drawing reignited a passion I had buried for years. By May, I had completed my first people portrait, actor Sean Patrick Flanery, and realised I had uncovered the gift I was always meant to pursue.

Since then, my artistic journey has evolved from detailed pastel portraits to the expressive abstract realism acrylic painting. In acrylics, I’ve found a perfect harmony between realism and spontaneity - capturing my subjects with precision while embracing the freedom of colour, texture, and movement.

My earlier pastel portrait work remains an important part of my story and is proudly featured on my website, where prints are available for collectors who appreciate both craftsmanship and emotional depth.

Each painting begins with a spark of inspiration - a fleeting expression, the quiet strength of an animal, or the beauty of nature itself. I work intuitively, layering detail with looseness, precision with atmosphere, to create art that doesn’t just depict a subject but captures its spirit and emotion.

Through Rachel Maytum Art, I offer original paintings, canvas prints, fine art open edition prints and limited edition prints for those who value beauty, depth, and meaning. I also share my creative process and journey on YouTube, opening a window into the evolving life of an artist and the stories behind the work.

My hope is that every piece I create finds its place in the world not just as art for the wall, but as a connection between detail and freedom, between artist and viewer, and between art and the soul.